Student-athletes
at the University at Albany on Division I
scholarships are making the grade, according
to new data released by the National Collegiate
Athletic Association.

Six of the 10 schools in the America East
Conference, including UAlbany, met the new
minimum academic performance standards set
by the NCAA. UAlbany exceeds the overall academic
progress rate (APR) for all Division I institutions
(976). UAlbany continues to stress the importance
of academic achievement for student-athletes.

“The performance by our student-athletes
on the NCAA APR reflects the mission and values
of the University as demonstrated by students,
faculty, and staff. We are preparing our student-
athletes for leadership, service, and lifelong
learning,” said UAlbany Director of Athletics
Lee McElroy.

The new academic progress rate compiled by
the NCAA tracks retention of scholarship athletes
by their schools and whether they stay academically
eligible and ultimately graduate. The APR data
are for 2003-2004.

Teams must reach an APR score of 925, or they
are subject to a penalty. An APR of 925 reflects
a 50 percent graduation rate.

Out of 326 Division I teams, more than half,
or 183, had at least one program judged substandard
by the NCAA. In Division I-A, 66 percent, or
77 of 117 schools had at least one substandard
program.